Fergie keeping tabs on young Wigan midfielder

Champions elect Manchester United are said to be monitoring the form of Wigan’s young Ireland midfield James McCarthy. Goal.Com understands that United have assigned scouts to track the progress of the highly rated McCarthy, who continues to impress under Roberto Martinez at the DW Stadium.

McCarthy has received many plaudits for his influential role in Wigan’s annual fight against relegation. The midfielder is instrumental within Martinez’s system and continental based style, personally combing a combative approach with the ability to dictate play in a quick and precise manner. At the age of 22, the Glaswegian born midfielder has already totalled 106 Premier League appearances. 

McCarthy signed a new 5 year contract in August 2011, meaning the Latics are under no imminent pressure to sell their young midfielder to The Red Devils. However with Sir Alex Ferguson’s track record of developing young British players, as well as his publicised personal friendship with Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan, a price of around £10million may suit all parties. Talk of interest from Liverpool may also force United’s hand in a proposed deal.

If a move for McCarthy did materialise, it may well spell the end of current United midfielder Anderson’s career at Old Trafford. The Brazilian has been plagued with various injuries since arriving from Porto in 2007 and, despite impressing sporadically, has never managed to nail down a place in the starting eleven. The arrival of McCarthy would further enhance competition for a starting spot alongside the elegant and instrumental Michael Carrick. 

Michael Dobson

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